Peach tree named ‘Snow Gypsy’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Vigorous, upright tree growth.   2. Heavy and regular production of large size fruit.   3. Firm, white flesh fruit with very good flavor and eating quality.   4. Fruit with attractive red skin color.   5. Fruit with good storage and shipping quality.

Botanical designation: Prunus persica.

Variety denomination: ‘Snow Gypsy’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It wasagainst this background of our activities that the present variety ofpeach tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of peach trees, which are known to us, andmentioned herein, ‘Sweet Dream’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,176),‘September Snow’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,003), our proprietarynon-patented peach seedling selections ‘233LK471’, ‘66EG140’, ‘373LH55’and ‘246LC568’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica) wasdeveloped by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif.as a first generation cross between two proprietary non-patented peachseedlings with the field identification numbers ‘233LK471’ and‘373LH55’. The non-patented peach seed parent ‘233LK471’ originated asan open pollinated seedling from our proprietary peach seedling‘66EG140’ (non-patented). The non-patented peach pollen parent ‘373LH55’originated as a first generation seedling from the cross of theproprietary peach seedling ‘246LC568’ (non-patented) and ‘Sweet Dream’Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,176). A large number of these firstgeneration seedlings were grown on their own root system and under closeand careful observation we recognized the desirable fruit and treecharacteristics of the present new variety and selected it in 2003 forasexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

In 2003 asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of peachtree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), asperformed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree andall characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established andtransmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new variety of peach tree (Prunus persica) is of large size,vigorous, upright growth and a productive and regular bearer of largesize, firm, white flesh fruit. The fruit is further characterized byhaving very good flavor and eating quality, with an attractive red skincolor, good handling and shipping quality. In comparison to itsnon-patented peach seed parent ‘233LK471’ the fruit of the new varietyripens approximately 10 days later. In comparison to its non-patentedpeach pollen parent ‘373LH55’ the flesh of the new variety is whitecompared to yellow. In comparison to the commercial variety ‘SeptemberSnow’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,003) the fruit of the new varietyripens approximately 7 days later.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new peach variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) from a 10 year old tree and the colors are as nearlytrue as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofpeach tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of10 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color inaccordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and            width for economical harvesting of fruit. Size varies with            different cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, growth of 1.5 to 2.5 meters in height the            first growing season. Varies slightly with type and            fertility of soil, climatic conditions and cultural            practices.        -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 30°,            increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, normal fruit thinning necessary            for desirable market size fruit. Fruit set varies with            climatic conditions during blooming period.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 8 consecutive years.        -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.        -   Density.—Medium dense, pruning to open center of tree to            vase shape desirable to enhance fruit color and keep fruit            wood healthy.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement approximately 950 hours at or below 45°            F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Large, circumference 55.9 cm at 25.4 cm above ground.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 1YR 3/4 to 2.5Y 4/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 20.6 cm at 1.2 meters            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 30°, increases with            heavy crop load.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            medium rough, roughness increases with age.        -   Lenticels.—Average number 21 in a 25.8 sq cm section of            branch. Average length 5.5 mm. Average width 2.3 mm. Color            varies from 7.5YR 6/10 to 10YR 6/10.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 5GY 6/8 to 5R 3/6. Old growth            varies from 10YR 3/74 to 2.5Y 3/4, varies with age of            growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 146.6 mm. Average width 42.7 mm.        -   Form.—Lanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slightly            indented over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface            relatively smooth except for small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation. Both surfaces glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Average length 12.5 mm. Average width 1.7 mm.            Surface glabrous. Longitudinally grooved. Color varies from            5GY 6/6 to 5GY 5/6.        -   Glands.—Type — reniform. Size — medium to large. Average            length 1.3 mm. Average diameter 1.0 mm. Number varies from 2            to 4, average number 3. Located primarily on the base of the            leaf blade and the upper portion of the petiole. Color            varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 7/6.        -   Stipules.—Average number — 2. Average length 6.8 mm. Margin            — pectinate. Color varies from 5GY 8/6 to 5GY 7/6.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 7.5GY 3/4 to 7.5GY 2/4.            Lower surface varies from 5GY 4/4 to 7.5GY 4/4. Midvein            color varies from 5GY 8/4 to 5GY 7/6.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 16.9 mm. Average            diameter 8.6 mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Form.—Plump, conical, becoming elongated before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 4.4 mm. Average width 1.3 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 7/10.        -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 8/4 to 5RP 6/2.        -   Density.—Medium dense.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 16, 2014. Date of            Petal Fall Feb. 26, 2014, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Size.—Large, showy. Average height 23.5 mm. Average diameter            47.3 mm.        -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to the sepals. Size            — large. Average length 23.2 mm. Average width 19.3 mm. Form            — obovate, narrowing at point of attachment. Petal apex —            rounded. Petal base — acuminate. Margin — sinuate.            Arrangement — overlapping. Color varies from 2.5RP 7/8 to            5RP 7/6, fades with age of flower. Both surfaces glabrous.        -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to the petals.            Average length 5.8 mm. Average width 6.0 mm. Shape — ovate.            Apex — rounded to triangular. Margin entire. Upper surface            glabrous, lower surface pubescent. Color — upper surface            varies from 5GY 5/6 to 5GY 5/8. Lower surface varies from            7.5R 2/6 to 7.5R 3/4.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 50. Average filament            length 18.0 mm. On average, the stamens are even with the            height of the petals. Filament color N 9.5/ (white) to 5RP            4/8 as flower ages. Anther color varies from 5R 3/8 to 2.5Y            8/6.        -   Pollen.—Self-fertile. Color varies from 5Y 8.5/12 to 5Y            8/10.        -   Pistil.—Normally 1. Surface — pubescent. Average length            19.4 mm. Position of stigma approximately 1.0 mm below            anthers. Color varies from 2.5GY 7/6 to 10Y 7/8.        -   Fragrance.—Moderate.        -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 8/4 to 5RP 6/12.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 4.7 mm. Average width 1.3 mm. Color            varies from 5GY 7/8 to 2.5GY 6/8. Surface glabrous.        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Normally one.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe and ready to consume.        -   Date of first picking.—Sep. 1, 2014.        -   Date of last picking.—Sep. 8, 2014, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 79.6 mm. Average            transversely in suture plane 87.7 mm. Average weight 346.5            grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of            thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose.        -   Suture.—Nearly smooth to very slightly lipped. Extends from            base to apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Nearly smooth.        -   Apex.—Slightly retuse.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.            Average depth 6.1 mm. Average diameter 5.1 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Small. Average length 11.1 mm. Average diameter 3.5            mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 5/8.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Pubescence.—Pubescent, moderate amount, very short.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 5Y 9/4 to 5Y 9/6. Overspread            with 5R 3/6 to 7.R 2/4.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—None.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty, crisp.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness.—Good, comparable to other commercial varieties.        -   Aroma.—Slight.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Very good.        -   Flavor.—Very good, sweet, mild, sub-acid flavor.        -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.        -   Acidity.—Not available.        -   Brix.—Average Brix of 12.0°, varies slightly with amount of            fruit per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 5Y 9/2 to 7.5Y 9/2.        -   Pit cavity.—Average length 40.0 mm. Average width 24.7 mm.            Average depth 10.0 mm. Color varies from 5R 3/8 to 7.5R            3/10.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Freestone. Adherence to flesh not present, weak.        -   Size.—Large. Average length 38.9 mm. Average width 22.9 mm.            Average thickness 16.1 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Pointed. Average length 2.9 mm.        -   Surface.—Pitted throughout, pits vary from rounded to            slightly elongated.        -   Sides.—Unequal, with one side extending further from the            suture plane.        -   Ridges.—Numerous, extending from base to apex.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 10R 2/4 to 2.5YR 2/4 when dry.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 20.2 mm. Average width 10.4 mm.            Average depth 5.4 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.        -   Skin color.—Varies from 5Y 9/4 to 5Y 8.5/6.-   Use: Dessert.    -   -   Market.—Local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage at 38° to 42° F.    for 3 weeks without internal breakdown of flesh or appreciable loss    of flavor.-   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or bruising of    flesh during picking, packing and shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection    observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal    fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and    eliminated from our breeding program. No atypical    resistances/susceptibilities have been noted under normal cultural    practices.

The present new variety of peach tree, its flowers, foliage and fruitherein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree,substantially as illustrated and described.